In April and May of 2023, I had the opportunity to travel to Asia for a documentary shoot for TRT. It was an incredible and eye-opening experience that I will never forget.
I started my journey in Thailand, where I was immediately struck by the humidity. I also found it strange to see robot vacuum cleaners at the airport.
We then flew to Cambodia, where we filmed a documentary about a rat mine-detection program. The country is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge genocide, and there are millions of landmines still buried in the ground. Despite this, the people of Cambodia are incredibly resilient and cheerful.
My next stop was Vietnam, which quickly became my favorite country of the three.
I started my time in Vietnam in the capital city of Hanoi, which is a bustling metropolis of motorbikes. Crossing the street can be a challenge, but it’s also a lot of fun.
The real adventure began when I traveled north to the region of Tua Chua. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but stop to take photos every few minutes.
When I arrived in Tua Chua, I stayed in a homestay, which is a great way to experience local culture. I shared a room with the family that owned the home, and we all ate together downstairs.
The people of Tua Chua are ethnically diverse, and they all wear traditional clothing. It was a feast for the eyes. We filmed Hmong and White Thai ethnic people in North West of Vietnam. They have not seen any tourist in their life but still they are too friendly and shy.
After filming in Tua Chua, we returned to Hanoi and then flew to Ho Chi Minh City.
The north and south of Vietnam have very different climates, so it’s possible to be cold and rainy in the north while it’s hot and humid in the south.
We filmed a documentary about the lives of garlic peelers in Ho Chi Minh City. The people who live in this neighborhood are very poor, and they work long hours in difficult conditions.
My last stop was Thailand, where I filmed a documentary about Muay Thai, a traditional martial art. I was impressed by the dedication of the Muay Thai fighters I met.
This trip was an unforgettable experience that taught me a lot about Asia and its people. I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen these amazing countries and met so many wonderful people.
I hope this summary has given you a taste of what I experienced on my journey.
Voyagerturkish 